I Am....DIY


Blessed be the name!
 I know that some of you had some interest in making one of these so here is my how to...for you..smile~

I start out with a 2x2 piece of pine. You can buy this size pre-cut at Lowes or Home Depot if you are not into sawing. I buy mine pre-cut so my edges are perfect...well..almost.

Good ole' Wal Mart craft paint.

Paint both side including your edges.

{notice that you have dust build up on your copper pots} ahemmmm.

I just wanted to take some time here to show you the piece after the coat of paint is on. You can see the wood grain a bit. I like the look of natural wood  but if you would rather a smoother look you may want to use a canvas or MDF.

Fun part here! Picking out the names that are special to YOU.  The names I have chosen have a special meaning to me but you can paint any name that touches your heart. It's your art...a piece of you. You can even make a board with family names...or special places...memories...you get the point.

I went through and picked out fonts that I thought would "fit" that peticular name. For instance, comforter...I used a big fluffy font.

I like the look of overlapping my words.


Once I have all of my names in the right place I tape them down.

Trace..trace...baby!!!


Because you are using a soft wood this allows the marks to show through.

Paint!

I used two different colors here so when you overlap your words nothing gets covered.

After my piece dries well I sand the edges and some on the board itself. You can stain and seal your piece if you would like to. This helps give it an extra aged look. You can see here the wood grain and the aging. If you want a more mordern look I would use the above mentioned canvas or MDF. I tend to go with the aged look for all of my pieces but have fun and make it your own.

Edit.. two different colors used here and yes I did print the fonts out on plain paper. You can also shrink your sign down if you wanted to make it on a smaller scale. I cant wait to see all of those beautiful signs and neat ideas you come up with!
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113 comments:

  1. This is going on my list of 2010 projects! THANKS!!!

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  2. I love this so much. Thanks for sharing how to do it. Happy New Year!

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  3. Dear Susie, Thanks so much for sharing the how-to for this project! Love it!

    Kindly, ldh

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  4. thank you so much...these instructions are just great. i love it.

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  5. Susie~

    Thanks for the DIY...love it!!

    Hugs ~ T

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  6. So, so cool, Susie Harris!!! You rock!

    Suzanne

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  7. Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to try my hand at something like this! ~Lisa

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  9. SOOO AWESOME!!

    This is JUST the kind of project my daughter will love to do over her break from college this month!!

    Thanks so much!!

    Ruth

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  10. Susie,

    Thank you so much for sharing! I used to paint and promised myself time enough to do it this year. I've also seen these with the words going in different directions. I am in awe of your talent!

    Deborah

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  11. I saw yours and made one myself and I LOVE IT!! Such a sweet reminder to my heart each and every time I look at it...

    Thanks for the inspiration! You are a darling.

    Blessings,
    LMM

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  12. Thanks for sharing! I have a sign that I want to do for a friend, so this is going to help!

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  13. Susie, I love this! thank you for sharing your how to... so generous! ~ Theresa

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  14. WOW! Now... I am convinced mine wouldn't have turned out half as good! Love this... You are so talented.
    ~Whitney

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  16. Perfection...as "HE" is. Sea Witch

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  17. You're so talented. Thanks for sharing the details.
    Hope your week gets off to a good start.

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  18. I have want to try one simce I first saw it. Thank you for sharing. My kids are looking up and learning the meaning of the names of God for a school project right now, so how fun would this be to do together. You are the best

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  19. It is beautiful and what a great tutorial. Hope you have a wonderful week.♥

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  20. Morning Susie!
    Thank you so much for sharing how you do this. I have loved that very board ever since you did it and couldn't figure out an easy way to get it on wood. This is definitely a project I will be doing on my to do list this year.
    Hugs,
    Cheryl

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  21. Thank you so much for sharing the instructions for this, I saw it and loved it and HOPED the instructions were coming soon. Can't wait to do one of my own. I have the perfect spot in mind for it.

    Daily laying it at the Master's feet!
    Laura Ann

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  22. Thanks Susie! I love this project and want to do something similar in my son's room! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are kind and generous spirit. :)

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  23. I do love this... thanks for sharing your ideas... very inspiring! ~ kim

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  24. Hi Susie Bloop!

    I LOVED this post. Your tutorials are always so AWESOME!
    Definitely going to catalog it for future reference!

    :-)
    Layla

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  25. I can't wait to try this! Stop by my blog to enter my giveaway box, take care.

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  26. Thanks, Susie! This was one of my favorite pieces of yours when you first showed it to us a little while back!

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  27. I am new to your site, and I love this! I have a question about the fonts. Did you draw those out yourself or print them out from some sort of program. I'd love to do this project, but don't think I could make my letters look like that.
    Thank you!
    Dena

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  28. I would love to make one of these! Thanks for the instructions!

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  29. I truly love this - thanks. You make it look so easy!

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  30. Susie, a couple of questions:
    How many different colors of paint did you use to paint the names? and..did you copy them on regular copy paper or did you use a transfer paper?

    Thanks.

    Lela @ A Southern Sanctuary

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  31. Neat, I can use this technique for something I have in my head to make! Thanks soooo much!

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  32. ew ew i am soooooo excited ! thank you thank you! I am also going to do one that says FAMILY and than around that I am putting all those in my immediate family (there names ) around it.. and one more... my creative juices are flowing. One with a big cross in the middle with the saying across it that says "For my sins christ died" i am soooo excited ill send pictures when they are done..

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  33. Beautiful....thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! This is going on my "to do" list for 2010...God Bless, kathy

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  34. Thank you so much for showing this. I do, however, have a confession. I already copied you on this one. I loved this the minute you posted it (a while back). I immediately set out to make one using lots of spray paint and vinyl masking. Thanks for showing me how to hand paint this. Love it so much.

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  35. Very pretty, I love the black backgound!

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  36. Thanks for a wonderful project to begin the new year. Jackie

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  37. awesome! How do you print out the names?

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  38. Awesome! Thanks for SHARING your God given talent with us! Great tutorial!

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  39. Thanks this is wonderful! i would like to try this...you make it look easy!

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  40. Thanks so much for posting the tutorial. I saw this on your blog before and wondered how you painted it. Now...I need to go hunt up the supplies...

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  41. Thank you for sharing how to make your wonderful signs. Can't wait to make my own. As always I so enjoy stalking your blog!

    Blessings,
    Lisa

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  42. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was drooling over this when you posted it...and how so very generous to give us your instructions. After the year that we have had, a journey with the Lord and our precious daughter that I will never forget, I just have to make this! Thank you for sharing the blessing!

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  43. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing this ... I loved this when I saw it posted, but figured it would be to hard...I cannot wait to make it ...You are to kind for sharing you talent...Thank you again!

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  44. So great! I am going to make a sign that says "Life is Messy" because it is an encouragement to me to think of the fact that it is okay to be a "mess" in front of our Father. He will take us and love us just the way we are...and help us through the mess.

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  45. This piece is awesome. I also appreciate the step b y step picture directions. I have a huge canvas from Goodwill in my garage that I want to redo but haven't gotten the inspiration for it yet. Now I do! Thanks!

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  46. Wow, this is wonderful Susie! Thanks so much for the how-to, I'll be linking.

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  47. Love this! I'm going to give it a shot!!

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  48. Oh Susie--I still love this every time I see it. In fact, I loved it so much I copied it for a Christmas present. And, believe it or not, I did it just like you said!!! (This was BEFORE you put out the tutorial!) I thought it would be extremely rude of me to ask you how you made it when you were trying to sell them; so, I enlarged then printed off the picture of the first time you had the board posted. I also used fonts that I thought were appropriate for the word. I used most of the same words you did, and a lot of the same fonts. I also traced (and traced and traced!!). The only thing I did not do like you was to leave the unfinished word paper taped to the board till I got to it. That was a great idea which I will have to do next time. I loved the board so much I wanted to keep it for myself, but that is on my to-do list for this year! I also love the board so much that I think it certainly should be kept out all year! Also, I did a name board ....to practice before I did the I AM board. It was actually the painting I needed to practice. On that board I used those chippy letters that come in different sizes and fonts and traced around them. I have five children, so I did all their names, my husband and myself and all the pets we've had. It was pretty cute. Next I had an idea to leave the chippy letters on, make the words more like a crossword puzzle, then paint OVER the chippy letters in a cream color paint. Then go back and glaze and highlight. I think the texture of that would be very neat! But, again, thanks for all your brilliant ideas. You're the best! Lori Lucas

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  49. I am so in love with this idea that I might just try it! I need to figure out where I would place it first and then I'm going for it. Thanks for letting us in on the tutorial.

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  50. YAY! I LOVE this sign! I had planned to email you in the hopes of directions when you took down your etsy store, so this makes my day!

    I just made two signs similar to this with numbers that I'm planning to post soon with a room makeover, so I'll be sure to send you the link when it's up!

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  51. Awesome tutorial, Susie. :) Thanks for showing each step...and your dusty pots. ;)

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  52. Hi Susie! I am new to you site and love the things that you create. I was wondering if you were planning on adding somethings to your Etsy store anytime soon?
    Thanks!
    Love your stuff!
    Julie

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  53. Thanks so much for the tutorial! It
    looks so professional, but easy enough I could probably pull a decent looking one off! Thanks for the inspiration, as always!
    God Bless, Melissa

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  54. I can do this thanks to your amazing tutorial! Thank you for giving your time and talent to the rest of us!!!

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  55. Going to have to add this to my to do list:) Thanks! (I think) LOL

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  56. That is awesome! Thanks for sharing! It looks like something fun to do and have in your home!

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  57. Thank you for the tutorial! I am going to have to try this. Maybe on a smaller scale first.

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  58. Thank you for the great tutorial. I love this. I think I will need to make one soon. I need to create something to get some juices flowing.

    These days have been a bit tough on us.

    Ruth

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  59. Thank you Susie for letting us all know how it is done! Can't wait to make one! If I use canvas will it still leave a mark when I trace? Now wondering if I can paint within the lines. LOL
    You must have a super steady hand!

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  60. Darlene had a great question! If canvas is used will it still leave trace marks. To be honest...I dont know. Has anyone used canvas and traced before? If so how did it work for you?

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  61. Found your blog through the One Pretty Thing Daily DIY roundup! Love this project, but even more refreshing is to find other Christian crafter/bloggers who aren't afraid to express it!
    You are now on my google reader. :)
    Blessings in 2010!

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  62. Absolutely perfect idea! I have just the spot and I love to paint words. In regards to Darlene's question, it probably wouldn't imprint the trace lines on the canvas but you can buy white carbon paper. You just stick that under your letters when tracing and it will leave a white impression of your words. I cannot wait to make one of these - I love being able to proclaim the Lord's name in such a beautiful way! Thanks for sharing!

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  63. Beautiful! I was wondering what size/kind of paint brush you used. I always have the hardest time painting letters. Thanks again!

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  64. Thank you so much for sharing how you made this! I fell in love with this when I saw it on your blog.

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  65. I love this technique...it turns out beautiful work! I'm almost finished with my first sign - I have my word traced and just have to fill in with paint. So therapeutic, too, eh?!

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  66. Oh, I cannot wait to do this! I absolutely loved yours the first time you posted it :) LOVE IT! I have a wall picked out where it will be great - IF I can pull it off. I already have my names picked out. Thanks so much for posting the 'how to'!

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  67. Beautiful! I hope no one "sin-a-fies" it by using MDF... that always makes me sad. I love the look of real wood!

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  68. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You... You are truly amazing....

    Now I can add this to my to do list for 2010....

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  69. What a FABULOUS idea! I would have never thought of tracing through the paper like that!

    The finished product is beautiful!
    Well done!!

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  70. Susie, THANK YOU for sharing how to make these. I've wanted to for so long. Wow! (Love your house, by the way.)

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  71. Neat project!! Thanks for showing us how to.

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  72. It is very interestingly written, to the author thanks.

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  73. Thank you for the tutorial! I might have to try this soon. I've been wanting some sort of sign for above my hutch. Hmmmmmm....
    ~Michelle

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  74. omgosh..you make it look soooo easy and I know it's NOT...I love it so much but I could never, in a million years, make one of these.
    Thanks so much for the fine instructions, tho.

    I love your blog and your work sooo much, Susie. You are, indeed, such a fine artist.
    I am giving your name a little shout-out in Wed.s post....:)

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  75. Wow, this is just beautiful, Susie! Thanks so very much for sharing the tutorial! You are extremely inspiring, girlfriend! :)

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  76. what a neat idea! My parents just painted their living room and their anniversary is coming up.. this will make a wonderful gift. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  77. I just posted my "copycat" on my blog with a link back to your site. I hope that is ok. Please check out my copycat that I did before your tutorial. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!! You are so talented.
    http://creatingmenow.blogspot.com/2010/01/such-copycat.html

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  78. Excellent tutorial.

    Will use it to make a huge family affirmations board.... Check on our blog later this month or so... (mid feb??)

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  79. Thanks for the great tutorial... going on my project list! I'm hosting a Power of Paint Party starting late tonight & every Wednesdays... I'd love it if you'd link up this sign.

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  80. Thanks for the great tutorial Susie. You make it look so easy. I think this will definitely have to go on the project list for 2010.

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  81. What kind of paper do you use that shows through on the other side after you trace?

    Sarah

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  82. Hi Susie, boy this is amazing. I loved it the first time I saw it! This would be amazing anywhere and I just love it! You have outdone yourself on this project. Hey how was your Christmas? Ours was wonderful. Loved having my kids home!
    Have an awesome day!
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  83. Happy New Year Susie, may it be a great one!

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  84. This is great. You make it look simple. It's a great idea for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays--I see possiblities! Could I link to this from my blog? (shewearsflowers.blogspot.com)

    Thanks!!

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  85. Thanks for showing us how to do this.

    Hugs,
    Adrienne

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  86. I'm printing off your directions right now! Love it & thanks so much for sharing! I thought about this as a gift for or Pastor for Christmas...maybe next year!

    Also, for canvas...isn't there some kind of quilters pen that the ink disappears? I'm sure I used to have one. I thought something like that might work on the canvas.

    Love your blog & check it regularly!

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  87. I have absolutely no patience to make that - but I love learning about your creative process! Thanks!

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  88. I have always loved signs like this and never imagined I could make one myself. Thanks for sharing!

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  89. Susie... thank you for posting your tricks of the trade! I made a monogram and I'm so pleased! I hope to get some of these made over the year for gifts... it makes me so happy! Thank you! ~ kim

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  90. Oh, my. This is so very, very beautiful. Could I do it myself? I don't know. . . You make it look do-able, but I'm something of a chicken. Still--I may have to try! Thank you for the tutorial!!

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  91. I SO want to make one of these now! It will match my GORGEOUS name sign! Do my eyes deceive me or did you reopen your Etsy? Yippee!

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  92. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I consider myself quite crafty, but I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out how to do all of the different fonts. I'm making this for a dear friend then one for myself.
    It is beautiful and perfect!
    Thank you!

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  93. Thank you so much for the tutorial on this. I love it and cannot wait to try it myself!

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  94. Oh, thank you, Susie for posting instructions!!! I just love this project -- and since we are about to own our first home I am all the more excited to complete this!!!

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  95. Okay my little friend, this is making me faint. Because I could never trace and paint so beautifully in the lines like you....I always seem to "color outside of the lines."
    HA!
    Great job and I love your NEXT post...wonderful photos...love the pink heart ornaments...leave them out for Valentines Day I say....
    Be blessed,
    Joyce

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  96. This is fantastic! I just got married and I have been trying to decorate our house so it actually looks like a girl lives there too rather than just a "boy" place. I put something up and then take it down, put it up, take it down, and so on. This would be beautiful above our fire place. I LOVE it! Thank you so much for sharing! Love the pictures too; I'm totally a visual learner.

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  97. Wow Susie this is great, thank you.
    I am going to make one for my Dad for Father's day! Speaking of Dad's -I was over in the Olympics last weekend...Went right through your dad's town. We go there often so if there is ever anything you need (that he may need) let me know.
    I can't drive by there without thinking of you and your sister!

    Happy New Year,
    Robin~♥

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  98. Love this idea! Love your blog too... what a sweet blog!

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  99. this is amazing!!! and i think i could do it!

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  100. I keep coming back to this but...I know DERN well that I can't do it...*sigh...

    Where can I get a rabbit weathervane like yours?? I've been looking for a yr and have not found even ONE....

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  101. Very cool project, Susia. Thanks for the how-to. What a great reminder to have hanging in your home as well. All of the names of God show His character...our daddy, creator, God with us, etc. Great reminders.

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  102. Oh Susie you are so sweet to share your how to! I am planning on a little Lowe's lumber yard trip this week - I think I have a date with some paint now that I see how really "do-able" this is!

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  103. This is absolutely fabulous - I'm thinking you could do something wonderful with a child's name and character traits around it, or a family last name and family members' names - great, great idea - thanks for sharing!

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  104. I love this so much. Thanks for sharing how to do it

    Work from home India

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  106. This is so beautiful! God is Good! :)

    Brandi

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  107. I love this project! Thank you for sharing!

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  109. Love this - it turned out great!

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  110. LOVE this! Just wondering...what is mdf?

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  111. I made mine!

    http://mrsohtobe.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-am-part-deux.html

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  112. I just finished mine!!! I love it! Thanks for the idea!

    http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f339/weethreegirls/?action=view&current=059-1.jpg

    http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f339/weethreegirls/?action=view&current=056-1.jpg

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  113. hi susie, i love your signs! i make signs too, just started. but i have trouble getting my comp to print out the words in the size i want. i choose the font and the font size and even enlarge it 200% and it still comes out small! any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated! thanks!~decorating diva

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